Jimmy Buffett and Alessandra Sublet, patrons of Les Voiles 2018

TF1 TV presenter Alessandra Sublet will be patron of the 9th Les Voiles de Saint-Barth, from April 8 to 14.

Alessandra, who started out in radio but made her name hosting “C à vous” on France 5 from September 2009 to June 2013, developed a connection to the island and the people during her Hurricane Irma reporting.

The announcement was made during a presentation at the Paris Boat Show. “An exceptional event, an outstanding ambassador,” said Les Voiles co-director François Tolède. “It was very important for us that it was a person compatible with what we’ve just gone through.”

Alessandra, a regular visitor to the island, immediately accepted her role. “I have always loved sailing, and sailing in St Barts is the dream. I am very proud to be the sponsor of the event this year, a very special year for the island.”

On the American side, Jimmy Buffett will represent the Voiles de Saint-Barth. The singer – who is performing a free concert in Gustavia on December 27 – will also be patron of this ninth edition.

François Tolède added, “We know that this 9th edition will be different, even if by April many people will have, we hope, distanced themselves from what happened. Many infrastructures have been damaged and we will most likely have fewer crew than in previous years.

“The goal for us today is to show that things have returned back to normal and move on. As such, this year the colour of the logo has been changed from blue to green.”